Optical resonator microsphere sensor with altering Q-factor

A resonant sensor for detecting the presence of a substance, said sensor comprising:

• a source of light;
• at least one coupler adapted to receive light from the source of light and conduct it therealong;
• at least one resonator each of said at least one resonators having at least one high Q-factor resonant mode therein, said at least one resonator coupled to the at least one coupler to store a specified amount of light energy therefrom in the at least one high Q-factor resonant mode for a specified period of time based on the Q-factor of said at least one high Q-factor resonant mode and then release a specified amount of said light from said at least one resonator, said at least one resonator having an outer surface;
• and
• a modifier deposited on said outer surface, said modifier adapted to interact with an at least one substance of interest such that during said interaction the proximity of the substance of interest to the at least one resonator alters the Q-factor of the at least one high Q-factor resonant mode of the at least one resonator such that the specified amount of light capable of being coupled into the at least one high Q-factor resonant mode of the at least one resonator is altered;
• and
• a detector adapted to detect the alteration of the light released from said at least one resonator and produce an output signal.